International context

The economic and environmental upgrading of brownfields through nature-based solutions (NBS), in particular phytomanagement, is at the heart of international efforts to meet the challenges of managing degraded land, climate change, biodiversity loss and the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.

 

1. Land degradation and brownfield conversion

Over 25% of the world's land is degraded due to pollution, urbanization and industrial activities (FAO and UNEP data). Industrial and agricultural wastelands account for a significant proportion of this degradation.

The conversion and restoration of these lands is a priority in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particularSDG 15 (Protect, restore and promote terrestrial ecosystems).

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) promotes actions to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030.

Phytomanagement as a solution:

• Use of plants to stabilize, clean up and restore contaminated soils, while generating valuable resources (biomass, bioproducts);
• Lower costs than traditional solutions such as excavation and incineration of polluted soil.

 

2. Nature-based solutions (NBS)

SFNs are promoted as a key approach to meeting climate and environmental challenges. They feature in :

• The Global Compact for Nature and People (2021), supporting SFNs as a central tool for ecological restoration ;
• European Union policies, such as the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030;
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP ) initiatives that promote SFN as a means of improving climate resilience.

Phytomanagement in SFN:

• Phytomanagement is compatible with SFN principles by integrating environmental (soil stabilization, biodiversity) and socio-economic (jobs, recoverable biomass) objectives;
• Phytomanagement makes it possible to exploit unused land while promoting ecological benefits such as carbon storage and support for biodiversity.

 

3. Transition to a circular bioeconomy

Focus on biomass:

The circular bioeconomy is recognized as a lever for sustainable development by theOECD, the EU and bodies such as the FAO. Biowaste and marginal land are considered under-exploited resources.

Industrial and degraded wastelands are ideal for producing biomass without conflicting with agricultural land for food production.

Biomass from these lands can be used for :

• The production of bioplastics, bioenergy or biosourced materials;
• Innovative applications such as phytomining (metal extraction using plants).

Phytomanagement and the bioeconomy:

• Phytomanagement generates economically valuable biomass (wood energy, essential oils, plant fibers), contributing to the creation of new value chains;
• Phytomanagement offers a sustainable alternative to extractive approaches, promoting a circular economy based on regeneration.

 

4. Climate change and carbon sequestration

International climate commitments:

• Paris Agreement and national climate strategies promote carbon storage in soils and vegetation;
• IPCC recommends nature-based solutions to increase climate resilience and capture CO₂.

Contributions of phytomanagement:

• Some plants used in phytomanagement (trees, grasses) have high carbon sequestration potential;
• Phytomanagement helps stabilize eroded soils and reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to pollutants present in wastelands.

 

5. Biodiversity and ecosystem services

According to the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES, 2019), 75% of terrestrial ecosystems are altered by human activity.

Brownfields represent an opportunity to reconvert these spaces into habitats for biodiversity.

Phytomanagement and biodiversity:

• Plants used in phytomanagement can be chosen to attract wildlife, restore habitats and improve ecological connectivity;
• Brownfield management can maximize ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification and climate regulation.

 

Conclusion

Phytomanagement, combining ecological restoration of wastelands and economic valorization of biomass, is aligned with international priorities for sustainable land management and a transition to a circular bioeconomy. By exploiting degraded spaces to provide environmental solutions and renewable resources, it addresses the global challenges of climate change, soil degradation and biodiversity. This field benefits from growing political and financial support, making it a strategic lever in sustainability and green economy initiatives.